The Actual Astronomy Podcast

Chris shares his observations of Comet NEOWISE, Jupiter, and Saturn while at Grasslands National Park. While you are observing Comet NEOWISE, you may notice increased meteor activity. This is due to some upcoming meteor showers that Chris and Shane talk about.

Chris and Shane are excited for one of their many voyages to Grasslands National Park to do some observing under the darkest skies in Canada. Find out how they prepare and what they plan to observe. The next couple of podcasts might come out later than usual due to this observing trip.

Chris and Shane share some recent observations of bright Comet NEOWISE. Chris provides an update on how his 80mm telescope performed after Shane did some work to improve the views.

Great comets are rare and must be observed when they appear. Over the last few days, comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE has reached naked eye brightness! This is a special edition podcast to provide our listeners everything they need to observe the comet.

Many people have never seen the Milky Way. Chris and Shane describe what it looks like and how to observe it. Timing is impeccable because summer is the best time to see the Milky Way. The podcast ends with tips on how to find dark skies near you.

We are slowly getting out of perpetual twilight! Chris and Shane talk about their recent observations of Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and more sightings of noctilucent clouds. Plus get an update on comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE.

This might be the easiest month to find the planets in the night sky. Chris and Shane will also talk about July being the best month to observe Jupiter and Saturn. Oh yeah, we might also be treated to a fairly bright comet!

Chris and Shane share some recent observations from their backyards.

Sometimes the weather conspires against amateur astronomers by delivering cloudy skies. Chris and Shane discuss their favorite astronomy books and websites that are perfect cloudy night pastimes.

Have you heard of the Summer Triangle? Chris and Shane will tell you what this is and talk about some spectacular objects to observe in a few small constellations.

The beautiful astronomy photos that you see in magazines often require a lot of time and expensive gear. In this episode, Chris and Shane talk about how you can easily capture amazing astro photos with your phone or a DSLR style camera!

Chris and Shane describe a recent noctilucent cloud observation and talk about some solar system objects that will be observable during the next two weeks.

Learn about the 4 gaseous planets in our solar system. Chris and Shane give tips on how to observe these planets.

Chris and Shane share recent observations of the Sun, Mercury, and our Moon. Noctilucent cloud season is upon us, find out what this phenomena is and how to observe it.

Exit pupil is another approach that can be used to determine which eyepieces match your telescope. Never heard of exit pupil? Do not worry, Chris and Shane explain this concept.

Even though June does not have much darkness due to the long days, Chris and Shane share objects that they plan to observe in June.

Chris and Shane share some tips on how to prepare to observe close to home as well as over night at a remote location.

Chris and Shane have concluded this current round of Venus observations and explain why they observed the planet on many different evenings. In addition Shane shares his recent session observing the Sun with a hydrogen alpha telescope.

The episode focuses on the four planets that are closest to the Sun. Chris and Shane also talk about an interesting Mercury and Venus pairing to observe on May 23, 2020.

Chris and Shane share some recent observing reports as well as some of the binoculars that they like to use for astronomy.

Shane likes to keep written logs of his observations and Chris likes to sketch what he sees at the eyepiece. Listen as they battle to the death to determine which method is better....just kidding, no battles here. Just tips that you can use to log your observations.

Before the days of GPS, many people used road atlases to navigate during travel. Astronomers still use atlases to navigate the night sky. There are many star atlases available, Chris and Shane discuss many of the common ones available.

Have you ever wondered what eye relief is? Or what F.O.V. stands for when you are looking to purchase an eyepiece? This episode tells you about the basics of eyepieces for your telescope.

Chris and Shane have each received new telescopes. Come listen to the first light reports and other other helpful tips such as how to test the optics of a new telescope.

Chris and Shane talk about the objects they are excited to observe in May.

Did you know that you can see cloud features on Venus through a backyard telescope? This podcast delves into the different features you can observe on Venus.

Have you ever used a zoom eyepiece before? Find out why zooms are something you might want to consider adding to your eyepiece collection and whole lot more!

Chris and Shane explain our place in the universe, starting from our Sun and progressing outwards!

Chris and Shane go in many directions! Prisms, mounts, diagonals and more are discussed.

If you have ever wanted to observe the night sky, this episode is for you! Chris and Shane will cover some of the basics to help you begin a your astronomical observing journey.

Chris and Shane discuss some recent astronomy purchases share their opinion for the ultimate travel telescope.

Sometimes we assume modern telescopes and accessories are better than equipment made in the past. Chris and Shane shares their experiences with old telescopes and explain that some are as good or better than modern telescopes.

Join Chris and Shane as they 'reboot' their podcast that focuses on amateur astronomy. Topics will include visual observations, gear discussions, and general guides to help people observe the night sky (and sometimes the day-time sky). Music by Will Beckett.